Terrence Melvin (Terry) Paley

In Loving Memory of

Terrence M. (Terry) Paley 

1934 - 2013

It is with great sadness that the family of Terrence M. Paley announce his passing on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at the Roblin District Health Centre following a long battle with cancer.

Terry was born on September 21, 1934 on the family farm of his parents, Fred W. and Katie (Essar) Paley in the Poplar Leaf School District just North of Theodore, Saskatchewan.

In his formative years Terry moved with his parents several times including a move to Winnipeg before once again arriving in Theodore where he attended school, graduating from Theodore High School in 1953.  Terry attended the University of Saskatchewan, College of Commerce, in Saskatoon before studying at the Saskatchewan Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw and graduating in 1955.  After two years of teaching in the Caldervale School District near Theodore, the lure of business called and Terry joined the Co-op movement. He worked as a General Manager in Edgeley, Saskatchewan, Sandy Lake, Manitoba and Manitou, Manitoba until 1962 when he returned to teaching at the Roblin Intermediate School.  Terry received a Bachelor of Teaching Degree in 1972 and a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1975 both from Brandon University.  He worked as the Principal of Roblin Intermediate, Roblin Primary, and Roblin Elementary Schools from 1962 to 1979.  He continued his career teaching grade five until he retired in 1990.

In 1956, Terry married the love of his life; Betty Lou Hansen of Theodore.  Their union was blessed by three children; Brent, Garth, and Lori.  During the summer months he enjoyed golfing, travelling, and camping with his family and he took many trips with them to National and Provincial Parks near and far and even visited Expo 67 in Montreal.  Each trip was an adventure in learning our history and culture.  On these trips he also enjoyed visiting extended family.  After retirement, he and Betty continued their travels with visits to his children and seven grandchildren where playing games with them was always enjoyable.  His last extended trip was to meet his great grandson just after Christmas in 2012.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and one of his greatest joys was learning of their accomplishments.  He enjoyed spending time with each grandchild getting to know them, talking, playing cards and games, and taking them to the swimming pool.  Trips were made each summer to visit them in their homes in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. The grandchildren in turn loved to visit him at his home in Roblin where he could take them downtown to meet his friends.  In the winter months he travelled to warmer locales in Southern USA for rest and relaxation.  His favourite destination was Paradise Park in McAllen, Texas.

During his lifetime, Terry was a very active member of the communities in which he lived.  In Manitou, he was a member of the Kinsmen Club.  When he arrived in Roblin he coached baseball and was a member of the first Roblin Recreation Commission.  He served as President of the local Teacher’s Association, an executive member of the Roblin Home and School Association, Roblin Parkland Festival Association, Roblin Youth Band, Association for Mentally Challenged Children, Adult Education Committee, Roblin Help Centre Board, and a past member of the Knox United Church Board.  Terry’s other volunteer work in the community included driving the Handi Van for more than two years, and he and Betty also participated in delivering Meals on Wheels.  He was active in service organizations including the BPO Elks Lodge as Worthy Exalted Ruler and Secretary as well as the Lions Club where he served as Secretary for many years as well as a term as President.  For his work in the Lions Club he received many awards including the B. J. “Ben” Ward Fellowship and the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services from the Lions Club International Foundation.  Locally, Terry became known as the “Lion’s calendar man.” 

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his beloved wife Betty, his three children Brent (Betty) Paley of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Garth Paley of Fonthill, Ontario and Lori (Jack) Bremner of Dauphin, Manitoba; his grandchildren, Tod (Mikki) and Jonah (great-grandson) Paley; Ben Paley (Kim Landsiedel) of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Jennifer Paley of  Edmonton, Alberta; Christopher Paley of Kelowna, BC; Jackie Bremner (Lance Burton) of Brandon, Manitoba,  and Cory Bremner of Dauphin; his Aunt Margaret Wojcichowsky of Theodore, Saskatchewan; his sisters-in-law Clara Merkley of Springside, Saskatchewan; and Jean Hansen of  Yorkton, Saskatchewan; his brother-in-law Lorne (Dorraine) Hansen, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; as well as  numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.  His presence, winning smile and sense of humour will be greatly missed by all.

Terry was predeceased by his father Fred W. (1974) mother Katie (Essar)(1997) Paley, his brother Lyle Paley (2004) and his granddaughter Wendy Paley (2004).

A Memorial Service to celebrate Terry’s life was held Monday, April 1, 1:30 PM from Knox United Church in Roblin with Reverend Mark Hammond officiating. The organist, Mrs Betty Wenner, led Knox United Church Choir and the congregation in singing the hymns, Come In, Come In and Sit Down, We Are Pilgrims and Go In Love. The Choir Anthem was In The Quiet Curve of Evening. Garth Paley, Dale Yeo and Jeanine Landry shared the Words of Remembrance. Betty M. Paley read the poem entitled Dad. Ron Landry read the Scripture Lessons. Bob and Betty Dayson sang Precious Lord, Take My Hand and Ed Doering sang On Eagle’s Wings. The Honour Guard was formed by the Retired Teachers and the Roblin Lions Club. The Urn Bearers were grandchildren, Tod (Mikki) Paley; Ben Paley (Kim Landsiedel), Jennifer Paley, Christopher Paley, Jackie Bremner (Lance Burton) Cory Bremner and Great-grandson Jonah Paley.

Following the Interment Service at Roblin District Cemetery, a reception for family and friends was held from Knox United Church Fellowship Hall.

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